Network System Engineer - Entry to Expert Level (Maryland)

U.S. Department of Defense

Fort Meade, MD

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$87,362–$197,200 Per Year
SKILLS
BGP, Borland ObjectWindows Library (OWL) Programming Libraries, CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate, CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional, CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Cisco Network Systems, Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), Computer Engineering, Computer Forensics, Computer Networks, Computer Science, Computer Security, Computer Systems Design, Computer Testing, Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS), Cryptography, Defense Intelligence, EIGRP (Enhanced IGRP), Electrical Engineering, Federal Assistance, Federal Government, Firewalls, GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation), Government Organizations, HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol), HTTPS (HyperText Transport Protocol Secure), Hewlett-Packard Product Family, IGRP (Interior Gateway Routing Protocol), IPsec (IP Security), Information Technology & Information Systems, Information/Data Security (InfoSec), Intelligence Community, Internet Security, Interpersonal Skills, Juniper Networks Product Family, Layer 3 Protocols, Leading Edge Technology, Legal, Local Area Network (LAN), MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching), Military, National Security Agency (NSA), Netflow, Network Administration/Management, Network Architecture/Engineering, Network Design, Network Monitoring, Network Operations Center, Network Routing, Network Security, Network Switching, Network Systems, OPNET Modeler Network Modeling and Simulation Software, Organizational Skills, Penetration Testing, Problem Solving Skills, Protective Services, Publications, Regulations, Reimbursement, Risk Management Framework (RMF), SSL-TLS (Secure Socket Layer - Transport Layer Security), Satellite Communications, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Security Analysis, Security Software, Software Engineering, Splunk, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Engineering, Technical Support, United States Department of Defense (DoD), VPN (Virtual Private Network), VRRP (Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol), Wide Area Network (WAN), Wireshark (Ethereal)
LOCATION
Fort Meade, MD
POSTED
15 days ago

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Network System Engineer - Entry to Expert Level (Maryland)

Department of Defense

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

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  • Summary
  • This job is open to
  • Duties
  • Requirements
  • How you will be evaluated
  • Required documents
  • How to apply

Summary

The National Security Agency is seeking results driven individuals that strive for excellence, enjoy the challenges of a fast paced environment and the desire to make a difference. We are looking for talented networking professionals to design, develop, deploy, sustain and monitor state-of-the-art network solutions (WAN, CAN, LAN, DCN and Satellite communications networks) that are deployed across NSA worldwide.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

The National Security Agency is seeking results driven individuals that strive for excellence, enjoy the challenges of a fast paced environment and the desire to make a difference. We are looking for talented networking professionals to design, develop, deploy, sustain and monitor state-of-the-art network solutions (WAN, CAN, LAN, DCN and Satellite communications networks) that are deployed across NSA worldwide.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Posted today · Apply by 06/14/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 14, 2026

Location

Few vacancies in the following location:

Fort Meade, MD

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Salary $87,362 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade

GG 7 - 15

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

  • 0132 Intelligence

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No

Drug test Yes Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Information Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

  • National security

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number 1258626 Control number 872079300

This job is open to

Help

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Videos

Duties

Help

Network Professionals are hired into positions directly supporting a technical mission office.

We are hiring networking professionals with education and/or experience in several of the following areas:

  • Multi-vendor infrastructure platforms (i.e., Cisco, Brocade, Juniper, Arista).
  • Network encryption devices and WAN accelerators.
  • Multi-vendor Layer 3 routing protocols (i.e., BGP, OSFP, EIGRP, IGRP, HSRP, VRRP).
  • Virtual Private Networking (i.e., MPLS, GRE, L2VPN, EVPN, Pseudowire, IPsec, MACSEC).
  • Data center architectures and converged networks.
  • Current networking trends, including commercial implementations of Software Defined Networks (SDN) for both Data Center Network and WAN applications.
  • Load balancing and Application Delivery Controller technologies and implementations.
  • WAN architectures (i.e., Carrier Ethernet, Optical Fabrics (OTN), SONET).
  • Network monitoring tools (i.e., NetFlow Tracker, HP Network Node Manager, Cisco LMS, Cisco Call Manager, Wireshark, and Splunk).
  • Network Modeling (RiverBed/OPNet, NetSim).
  • Network Boundary (Next Generation Firewalls (Palo Alto, Cisco FIREPOWER), IPSEC/SSL VPN Concentrators).
  • Cross Domain Solutions (SafeNet MDeX System, OWL Cyber Defense Cross Domain Solutions).
  • Technical certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, SEC+).

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Degree must be in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Technology or related field (e.g., General Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Information Assurance, or Computer Security).

Relevant experience must be in network or system administration. Additional experience may be in one or more of the following: computer or information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance or systems engineering. If not credited toward education requirement, completion of military training in a relevant area such as JCAC (Joint Cyber Analysis course), Undergraduate Cyber Training (UCT), Network Warfare Bridge Course (NWBC)/Intermediate Network Warfare Training (INWT), Cyber Defense Operations will be considered towards the relevant experience requirement (i.e., 20-24 weeks course will count as 6 months of experience, 10-14 weeks will count as 3 months of experience).

ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL

Entry is with a Bachelors degree and no experience. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associates degree plus 2 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 2 years of relevant experience.

FULL PERFORMANCE

Entry is with a Bachelors degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Masters degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associates degree plus 5 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 5 years of relevant experience.

SENIOR

Entry is with a Bachelors degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Masters degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associates degree plus 8 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 8 years of relevant experience.

EXPERT

Entry is with a Bachelors degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Masters degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience. The following may also be considered for individuals with in-depth experience that is clearly related to the position: an Associates degree plus 11 years of relevant experience; or at least 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in networking, computer science, or cyber topics plus 11 years of relevant experience.

Education

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Degree must be in Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, Information Technology or related field (e.g., General Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Forensics, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Information Assurance, or Computer Security).

Additional information

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.

Salary Range: $87,362 - $197,200 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior, Expert)

Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

Training will be provided based on the selectees needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

DCIPS Trial Period:

If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agencys needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agencys organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

Expand Hide additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The ideal candidate is someone with excellent problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills who is/can:

  • Motivated
  • Flexible
  • Innovative
  • Work effectively in diverse environments
  • Well-organized
  • Handle multiple assignments

Other desired skills and certifications:

  • Network Security
  • Network Routing and/or Switching
  • Risk Management Framework (RMF)
  • Certification (CCNA, CCNP, CCNA Security, CISSP, ISSP)
  • Computer Security
  • Threat analysis
  • Cybersecurity

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258626

Agency contact information

NSA POC

Phone 1-844-424-4737 Email intelcareers@nsa.gov Address NSA External Hiring

9800 Savage Road

Fort Meade, MD 20755

US

Next steps

To apply, please visit https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258626

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258626

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

NSA POC

Phone 1-844-424-4737 Email intelcareers@nsa.gov Address NSA External Hiring

9800 Savage Road

Fort Meade, MD 20755

US

Next steps

To apply, please visit https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1258626

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Agency contact information

NSA POC

Phone 1-844-424-4737 Email intelcareers@nsa.gov Address NSA External Hiring

9800 Savage Road

Fort Meade, MD 20755

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at National Security Agency/Central Security Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.nsa.gov/careers/

Summary

The National Security Agency is seeking results driven individuals that strive for excellence, enjoy the challenges of a fast paced environment and the desire to make a difference. We are looking for talented networking professionals to design, develop, deploy, sustain and monitor state-of-the-art network solutions (WAN, CAN, LAN, DCN and Satellite communications networks) that are deployed across NSA worldwide.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Posted today · Apply by 06/14/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 14, 2026

Location

Few vacancies in the following location:

Fort Meade, MD

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Salary $87,362 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade

GG 7 - 15

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Not required

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

  • 0132 Intelligence

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No

Drug test Yes Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Information Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

  • National security

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number 1258626 Control number 872079300

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